The Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis
macularius), is one of the least expensive and easiest lizards to
keep for a beginner. Leopard Geckos are nocturnal, terrestrial
geckos, that remain small and unaggressive. Hatchings are typically
about 2 inches, where as a large adult male can reach 12 inches,
although many adults only obtain lengths of 7 or 8 inches. Leopard
Geckos provide not only an interesting but long-lasting experience,
often living as long as 20 to 30 years.

Housing: Leopard Geckos do not need
large enclosures, hatchings can be kept in a 10 gallon aquarium all
the way through adulthood. Even multiple adults can be housed in a
10 gallon aquarium. There needs to be a significant heat gradient,
being that these animals come primarily from desert areas of Saudi
Arabia. they require a basking area that reaches temperatures of up
to 100 F. Being ectothermic, or cold blooded, the animal has to
control its own body temperature, so the coolest area of the
enclosure should be as low as 70-75 F. This is best achieved by
using external under tank heaters. NEVER USE HOT ROCKS! This way
the animal is free to move to different points of the cage to
regulate its body temperature.

Substrate: Leopard Geckos typically do
very well on a variety of substrates. Paper towels can be preferable
for very young individuals, with sand or aspen being great choices
for larger geckos. Be sure any sand you buy is acceptable for use
with a gecko, as some sands can have grains that are too large, which
can lead to impaction in the animal.

Lighting: Since Leopard Geckos are
nocturnal, meaning that they become active during the night, they do
not require any type of special lighting. There is no need for a
Ultraviolet B light.

Feeding: Leopard Geckos typically have
a diet consisting almost exclusively of meaty foods, primarily
insects. As hatchings, only offer crickets, many other insects have
an exoskeleton to rigid for the hatchings to fully chew. As the
animal matures, different prey items may be offered, such as wax
worms, meal worms, and eventually even pinkie mice. NEVER FEED YOUR
ANIMALS FIRE FLIES! When feeding, on a regular basis add a Calcium
and Vitamin D3 supplement to the food.

Watering: Although the habitat that
they come from is a very hot arid area, the micro habitat in which
they live is very moist. Be sure to offer in their enclosure a moist
refuge. This can be achieved by placing damp moss under a hide
shelter. On occasion, these animals will drink from standing water,
so a water dish is highly recommended.

Breeding: Leopard Geckos are
undoubtedly the easiest lizards to breed. If one desires to breed
these animals, a healthy adult female can potentially lay two eggs
every 28 days, ten months out of the year.

With the proper husbandry, Leopard
Geckos make an excellent animals for anybody in the hobby, regardless
of their experience level. With their longevity and general ease of
care, they are one of the most rewarding animals to keep.